If it’s December, then you know it’s Mixmas time at You Ain’t No Picasso! Each year I get a bunch of my favorite bands to contribute themed mixes and share their thoughts about each of the tracks.

MP3: Yip Deceiver – For All the Haters

Nicolas Dobbratz of Athens, GA’s Yip Deceiver picked a great theme for their Mixmas contribution. I’ve always loved songs that are hesitant about or even anti typical rock ‘n roll staples like sex and drugs. Here’s a smart, fun mix from a group that’s known for their smart, fun dance songs.

“Songs Exploring the Theme of Sexual Abstinence” by Nicolas Dobbratz of Yip Deciever

An intriguing theme in pop music to me. I’ve always wanted to make this list.

YT Link The Shirelles – Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow?
“Is this a lasting treasure, or just a moments pleasure?” The ultimate day-after classic exploring the risks of “giving it up” and begging so many other questions. It’s no wonder the song went number 1 in 1961 and was subsequently banned from some radio for lyrical explicitness. It speaks to the woman, but ask a question of the man. I still can’t listen to it without personalizing it. A masterpiece of pop and a poignant expression of human Eros drama.

YT Link Cool it Now – New Edition
Almost hard to believe the sweet pre-pubescent voice of Ralph Tresvant is feeling such a deep conflict about all this, but in typical fashion New Edition transcends all and lays it down. The structure of the song leaves Ralph alone in the verses proclaiming his obsession while the rest of the boys warn him of the dangers of moving to fast. In the end, were probably not convinced that he wont do it anyway, but we appreciate “Ronnie, Bobby, Ricky, and Mike” showing genuine concern for their friend.

YT link Janet Jackson – Let’ Wait a While
My all time favorite and perhaps the impetus for this list. Pretty much nails the theme on the head. Produced and written by Janet, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis for the Control album. Just listen…I don’t really know what else to say.

YT Link Lisa Lisa and the Cult Jam – I Wonder If I Take You Home
The updated version of number one on the list. More playful than the Goffen/King approach with perhaps a stronger female perspective. She’s knows what she wants, but also understands the risks. In the end the message is strong, but also sexy. Not an easy combination, making it an evolutionary step in the theme and a certified gold single that still holds up on the dance floor. One of my personal favs.

YT link: R Kelly – Seems Like You’re Ready
This one bends the rules cuz R Kelly was never really about not doing it, but I think it showcases the softer, and often misunderstood side of the artist. Realizing that he’s not the only one making the judgement call he carefully crafts the song as a poetic twist of romance and caution, never really giving away the conclusion. Number 5 was going to be Lauryn Hill “Doo Wop (That Thing),” which is probably the most direct of the bunch, but I felt the need to challenge myself and I guess I slipped in a number 6 ha!

See all of the contributions to Mixmas 2011